Tag Archives: milk

Milk is often advertised for strong bones, however, a new study published by Arthritis Care & Research claims that increasing one’s milk intake may lead to a decrease in osteoarthritis progression. The study evaluated 2,148 patients of both sexes suggesting that osteoarthritis progression was decreased in women who consumed more than 7 glasses a week. The authors noted that although they were unable to establish a definitive link between milk ingestion and decrease in osteoarthritis progression, they encourage readers to drink milk that is low-fat or fat-free regardless of sex. What are your thoughts on this research? What are your typical recommendations to your patients who are trying to slow down their disease progression?

A recent study performed at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio discovered high levels of harmful bacteria and contamination in breast milk purchased over the internet. The study analyzed 101 batches of milk that were purchased on milk sharing websites and found that 74% of the samples contained harmful disease-causing bacteria like E. coli, Streptococci and even Cytomegalovirus. Researchers determined those samples to be unsafe to give to infants, especially preemies. Although the FDA does not recommend feeding babies breast milk acquired via the Web, its sale is not regulated online.

How often do you counsel your patients who are new mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding? What are some safer alternatives to purchasing breast milk online?

Milk is in the headlines today with new striking findings. A recent review unfolds how milk can be linked to a variety of illnesses. Researchers stated that milk nutrients and exosomes (protein complexes) activate mTORC1, a processthat promotes postnatal growth and transfers species-specific programs. This is highly beneficial for infants, but problems arise when large amounts of cow milk consumed during adolescence and adulthood causing unnecessary growth. How would these finding affect your daily intake of milk and recommendation to patients?

A study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood provides new evidence that children drinking skim milk or 1% milk weigh more than children drinking 2% or whole milk. Dr. Mark Daniel DeBoer conducted this study with data collected from 10,700 children. This study also correlated the milk fat content to BMI, showing that children drinking a milk with a higher fat content had lower BMIs. This study suggests that, although it is recommended that children switch from whole fat milk to low fat milk after the age of 2, this may not aid in preventing obesity. What are some of the recommendations you make to parents of your pediatric patients to prevent obesity?

A new study by the U.S Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) found 800 new accounts of food fraud. The USP describes food fraud in the study as “the fraudulent addition of non-authentic substances or removal or replacement of authentic substances without the purchaser’s knowledge for economic gain to the seller.” The new study established the most frequently fraudulent products are milk, coffee, saffron, honey, and spices committed by manufactures. With food fraud on the rise, what are your thoughts and recommendations? For additional information, please visit CNN. “ Image courtesy of [Suwit Ritjaroon]/Freedigitalphotos.net”